Confession time: I was getting kindasorta sick of reading about beauty sample boxes. Luxe Box and Glymm Box are now available in Canada, and there are many others in the US and the UK. Every time one of these arrives in my email inbox, I usually say “boring! next!” but something was different when I read about Topbox.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s a quick rundown: you can subscribe to get these boxes for $10 a month. Each box delivered to your home contains 4 to 5 deluxe-sized samples of beauty products (makeup, skincare and fragrance). It allows customers to try before they splurge on full-sized beauty products.
Topbox Packaging
I received the November Topbox for free to get my opinion on the product. This month’s box (or rather, reusable mailing tube) contains:
- A full-sized Cake Velveteen Hand Creme
- A full-sized Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Some Enchanted Evening
- A sample of Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Eye Serum
- A sample of Stila Lip Glaze in Raspberry
Topbox November 2011 Contents
I like that Topbox found something different to offer to their customers beyond just a bunch of random brands; it provides samples of only the top brands (top luxury, top organic, top Canadian brands). No drugstore-only brands here. For example, the October box included shu uemura, Benefit, Lise Watier and SkinCeuticals.
As with any product subscription, I can’t say it’s going to be this good every time. The good news is: you don’t have to subscribe for an entire year with Topbox. You can cancel your subscription anytime before they send out the next box (the 10th of each month). At least you know there is an out in case the products don’t live up to your expectations.
Topbox November 2011 Contents
Just a little quibble about this: they don’t safe-drop packages at your doorstep if you’re not around to sign for it. If you — like me — are never around during the day to receive packages, it could get annoying to pick it up at the post office. But you know, at least it won’t get lost or damaged in bad weather.
Topbox is a thoughtful gift to give this holiday season for ladies who are starting to get into beauty products. I also think it’s great even for beauty bloggers who are on a low-buy period, but who still want to keep trying luxury brand products.
P.S. I’ll tell you when I’m on a low-buy, ‘kay? 
Will You Buy A Topbox For You, Or A Friend?
I think this has a lot of promise, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Topbox has in store for the future. What do you think?
I’m with you. Out of all the ____box sample boxes I’ve looked into, Topbox peaked my interest the most. I haven’t yet taken the plunge, but I’m seriously considering it!
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I’m going to watch the next few boxes like a hawk to see if it’s still good.
I think it’s awesome!
I am currently a subscriber of all the beauty boxes and I think that this one is the best so far from what I have seen. Unfortunately I have to wait until February to get my first box and I am hoping they keep up with the awesome samples.
I hope so, too, Andrea!
Thanks for your feedback comparing other boxes. I really think this is a winner.
I think Topbox blows all the other boxes out of the water! I’m so tempted to sign up.
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It’s okay Liz, I allow you to sign up. It’s cheap!
I might if I don’t have to wait until March! They’re going to have to work on that.
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So I went to sign up for Topbox for next month’s subscription but the next sub available is in March!?! The sample box winner is very clear here.
I know… isn’t that crazy? I told my friend about it yesterday and she signed up for their March box.
I agree 100%!
Doesn’t it make you want to buy them even though you’re already SWIMMING in products? LOL so good!
This looks like a stellar package to receive!! But I’m like you- will the ones to follow be just as great?? I’d love to know what you think of the DL nail polish- pigment and does it stay put??
Hi JennySue — I’ll see if I can do a follow up post re: the Lippmann nail polish for you.
I’ve tried Luxebox and they are pretty nice, Glymm I haven’t read too much about, Topbox intrigues me mostly because of the interesting packaging!
It’s such a nice packaging, I agree, Justine! Makes me rethink about boxes for holiday gifting. I should be getting mailing tubes instead!
Is this only towards Canadians? I just saw a YT video about Birchbox and it intrigued me about these box subscriptions, but now i have no idea which one to subscribe to! :X
Hi Julia, Topbox is available to Canada residents only.
Oh my gosh, Deborah Lippman AND Stila? ;__________; I love in the wrong country!
I expect you’ll be making a move soon, SilhouetteScreams? Hahaha
Erm *live. Loving in the wrong country sounds all kinds of wrong, haha
I’ve seen a few reviews on various beauty blogs now so thought I’d jump on the bandwagon, too. Unfortunately, they’re now sold out of monthly boxes until MARCH!! Yes, MARCH!!!
Topbox appears to be afflicted with the same issue as Loose Button – shipping, if you’ve seen their facebook page you’ll know what I’m talking about. The only service that has consistently arrived without fail is Glymm, so in my mind that makes them the winner. Either Top Box is ridiculously brilliant with their marketing scheme (limitations) or they’re going to inhibit their own growth by making people wait months before they get their first subscription. Guess I’ll find out in January when I finally get my first box! Don’t wait if you’re interested, sign up as you’ll have plenty of time to change your mind and cancel!
Aww! D: Too bad it’s Canada only! This looks really great~
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